Page 136 of Knot So Lucky
I'm not good at compromise. Built my entire career on refusing to compromise on performance or standards or my own vision of how things should be done.
But looking at Elias—this calm, thoughtful Alpha who somehow became part of my pack through a kitten and a car crash and biological fate—I realize compromise might be necessary for survival.
"Adrian's doing his part," Elias continues, "catching up on the news happening outside this little safe house. Which, thank you for securing it, by the way. Your family's connections made this possible."
I nod, accepting the gratitude.
"Hart family specialty, having safe houses for situations that shouldn't exist but inevitably do."
"Speaking of situations that shouldn't exist..." Elias leans forward, expression becoming more serious. "This is going to be tricky for Rory to accept. The pack bond, the claiming, all of it. She's not used to relying on others or accepting help, is she?"
"Understatement of the century," I mutter, feeling a bit glad he’s caught onto that cute yet stubborn trait of my girl.
"So we need to take things slow. Get to know her properly, not just in crisis mode." Elias's green eyes are earnest behind those round spectacles. "Let her set the pace for how this packoperates. No pressure, no expectations beyond basic respect and care."
The relief I feel hearing those words is almost overwhelming.
Because that's exactly what Aurora needs.
Space to process and decide, and maintain control over a situation that probably feels completely out of control.
"That's the plan," I agree. "And we won't pressure her, especially with the competition underway. She has enough stress without us adding to it."
Elias nods, then his expression shifts into something more calculating.
"But we need to figure out what those kidnappers' motives were. Who sent them, what they wanted, whether there's an ongoing threat."
The kidnapping.
In the chaos of Aurora's heat and the unexpected pack bonding, I'd almost forgotten about the assholes who grabbed her from the washroom. The ones who tried to transport her somewhere before we intercepted their vehicle.
Rage flickers through my chest at the memory.
"I'll handle it," I say, voice dropping into something darker. "Have some contacts who specialize in making people talk. We'll find out who's behind this and deal with them appropriately."
"If you want company for that," Elias says, and there's something almost eager in his tone, "I'd love to be part of it. That side of the business is... satisfying."
We share a look—understanding passing between us that has nothing to do with the pack bond and everything to do with recognizing someone who operates in the same shadows.
Elias Vance, nerdy tech genius and heir to the Bravati family. Who apparently enjoys the interrogation and violence side of the family business as much as the engineering side.
I find myself smirking.
"We're going to get along great."
His answering smile is sharp and knowing.
"I think so too."
A comfortable silence settles between us, different from the tension with Luca. This feels like the beginning of an actual friendship, not just pack-mandated cooperation.
"Come downstairs to eat," Elias says finally, standing and stretching. "I'm positive we're all hungry, but you're the one who enjoyed the bliss of knots for five days. You need actual food, not just whatever protein bars and sports drinks we've been surviving on."
"Enjoyed the bliss of knots," I repeat, deadpan. "That's one way to describe having my soul sucked out through my dick repeatedly."
Elias laughs—genuine and warm.
"Poor baby. Having to satisfy an Omega in heat must be so difficult."
